Early Riser

Most days I am like most people, waking at sunrise and starting my day. However, there are days where I wake when it is dark as night and lay in my bed tossing and turning wondering why I have been cursed an early riser. Oh sure there is a lot to be said about starting your day before 5 a.m., but most of it not positive. The worst part is now married I run the risk of waking my sweet husband. So out of bed I crawl making my way to the main room of the house and collecting my laptop and a nice warm blanket. I am very grateful for both right now.

I know that if I did not have this to do I would be forced to climb on the treadmill across the room and actually exercise like I have be saying I would do for nearly the year it has been there. Lest you think it is never used I do occasionally walk in the evenings and Rachael is a regular jogger. On this day, I am content to sit here and reflect on my week, as today is finally Friday.

Each year as school reopens, I find the whirlwind exhausting. We are a small school, but with only two of us on the administrative side and a growing staff and student body I spend a full nine hours a day trying to accomplish all that needs done. I then find myself committed to a plethora of other activities each week; PTP meetings, committee meetings for church, small group bible studies. This list goes on.

Our church is in a 40 days of community campaign and we have many things going on. It is a drive to help the church members to leave the building and minister to those in the community. I was at my dear friends home last evening, John and Pam for the first of six meetings designed to lead us as a group to pick a mission project outside in the community and last nights study was on Love. It focused on all the things in life we might think are important; the things we say, know, believe, give or accomplish that really mean very little with out Love. We also learned that Love is a command. We are commanded to love one another. It is also a choice; not a feeling. It leads to feelings, but we choose to love and when we love it is unconditionally. We also saw that love is conduct that we can say we love, but if we never demonstrate that love, those we claim to love will begin to doubt what we say. Finally, love is a commitment, sometimes we love in spite of how we feel and loving someone and liking someone is not always hand in hand.

Well I guess I have typed my way back to tired. I think I will crawl back into bed for an hour and see if I can sleep. Good night............

Fresh Paint

Well since Philip moved in two weeks ago, we have worked very hard to combine two homes into one. My home had plenty of junk and even though I try to keep from collecting unneeded items, I had my fair share. Philip too has a great many things and we really want to make an effort to have my home become "OUR" home.

Rachael is on a two week break, before she finishes her B.A. in Biology at UNF. She decided that we need to fix our guest room and turn it into the "Livingston Suite". She has removed old wallpaper, patched holes, painted and then today she enlisted Philip and I to help with moving in furniture. We worked very hard and I think Philip was right when he said, "This is the prettiest room in the house!" I agree.

In has only been two weeks since Philip moved in, but we have accomplished so much in this short time. I am so very happy to have him here. It is a blessing and really so much better than I ever imagined. I love my husband and as we sit here on the couch watching TV, I smell fresh paint.

Tiny Lizards

Each morning I rise early and prepare for work, I arrive there around 6:45 to 7:00 a.m.. Upon arrival I park and walk the short distance to the front door. I love as I walk to see the tiny lizards and now toads scatter across the sidewalk making a quick dash for the nearby shrubs. They amaze me how they can avoid my steps as I make my way down the walk. I laugh as I see probably 40 or more little lizards running for their lives from the woman who ruins their morning warming in the sun on the sidewalk.
I have really been busy and let my blog posts lapse, however I really am enjoying married life. For those of you wondering a post on tiny lizards...I just thought I would give you a smile!

Mom, It is your day!

I am sure that many would say they had the greatest Mom in the world. I, however; can say it with the confidence I am right. My Mother, is a smart, classy lady; with a kind, loving heart that blesses all who know her.

She was the "fun" Mom in the neighborhood when we were kids. She became a dear and cherished friend in adulthood. Today she celebrates her birthday and I think that I would like to be the first to say Happy Day Mom, I love you.

My little Angel!

Look at all my teeth!!!

A Green Thumb

Well I knew when we met and fell in love that one day we would find a major difference between the two of us and now I know what it is. Philip, a green thumb has married the girl with the black thumb. My own mother has threatened to buy me a Shirt that says, 'I tried, but it died'. My children have all shared the story about the poor Christmas cactus in my kitchen that shriveled up and died for lack of water!
Philip has spent his weekend working on my much neglected yard. Oh, I mowed it fairly regularly but that is all. No trimming or pruning. I would have never planted new, beautiful growing plants; no matter what some say I do have a heart. Anyway, I went to Lowe's with Philip on Saturday watching as he walked up and down the isles looking and turning and reading those little plastic sticks that tell you IMPORTANT information on the plant. He would then pick the hardiest of the group and move on. I was amazed how he knew so much about plants. Then on home where he began working even though we both were suffering a stiff back from all the moving we had done on Friday. (Still living in two towns) He dug, He planted, He staked. He re potted and spent hours watching where the sun was during the day to make sure the plants were in their best spots. I watched and smiled as I knew he was enjoying having a yard to play in. I also found happiness in knowing that sometimes God fills a need in our lives that even we were not aware needed filled. I Love You Philip and I thank God for your green thumb!

Newly Weds!

Mr. and Mrs. Philip C. Livingston




Bill Corley preforms the ceremony as follows; for those of you who were not able to be there:

Wedding Vows of Evelynn and Philip

Greeting
Dear family, we have come here today in the presence of God to witness the marriage Evelynn and Philip, to surround them in love and share in their joy.
Charge
Happiness in marriage is not something that just happens. A good marriage must be created. In the Art of Marriage: The little things are the big things. It is never being too old to hold hands. It is remembering to say 'I love you' at least once a day. It is never going to sleep angry. It is at no time taking the other for granted; the courtship should not end with the honeymoon, it should continue through all the years. It is having a mutual sense of values and common objectives. It is standing together facing the world. It is forming a circle of love that gathers in the whole family; both hers and his. It is doing things for each other, not in the attitude of duty or sacrifice, but in the spirit of joy. It is speaking words of appreciation and demonstrating gratitude in thoughtful ways. It is not looking for perfection in each other. It is cultivating flexibility, patience, understanding and a sense of humor. It is having the capacity to forgive and forget. It is giving each other an atmosphere in which each can grow. It is finding room for the things of the God. It is establishing a relationship in which the independence is equal, dependence is mutual and the obligation is reciprocal. It is not only marrying the right partner, it is being the right partner.

In 1 Corinthians 13, we read what love is; and more importantly what it is not.
Love is patient; love is kind. Love does not envy; is not boastful; is not conceited; does not act improperly; is not selfish; is not provoked/ does not keep a record of wrongs; finds no joy in unrighteousness, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
Love never ends.

Declaration of Intent and Consent
Evelynn, will you have Philip to be your lawful wedded husband? Will you love him, comfort him, keep him in sickness and in health and forsaking all others, be faithful to him so long as you both shall live?
Philip, will you have Evelynn to be your lawful wedded wife? Will you love her, comfort her, keep her in sickness and in health and forsaking all others, be faithful to her so long as you both shall live?
Exchange of ring
Take and wear this ring as a symbol of my love. With it I wed you, and commit my life to you forever.


Declaration of Marriage
Evelynn and Philip, you are now husband and wife.
Be merciful in all your ways, kind in heart, and humble in mind.
Accept life, and be most patient, tolerant and kind to one another.
Forgive as freely as God has forgiven you.
And, above everything else, be truly loving.
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, remembering as members of one body we are called to live in harmony, and never forget to be thankful for what God has given you.
Philip you may kiss your Bride.

After the ceremony we were serenated by Chris to "Sweet Home Alabama"
The cutting of the cake and enjoying our family.

We missed you Jason, Ashley and Ethan, Caitlin and Silvia and Patrick and Anne and David and Jan. We felt the love and prayers of all our dear family and friends from across the Country.

Amazing Fourth

Yesterday was our nations birthday. It was a day with family, yummy food and fabulous fireworks. I have always loved the fourth of July and yesterday was no exception. We were able to cook out hamburgers on my Dad's new industial size grill. The rainy weather held off long enough for all the cooking to be complete. We then headed out to the beach. The drive to Bill's house took us over the intracoastal bridge where we had a 360 degree view of fireworks around the area. I suggested we pull over on top and just enjoy the view but was reminded that would be illegal. It is only a short walk from my Sister's boyfriends home; around 9:15 p.m. we headed out and merged in with his neighbors down the path to the beach.

Locals who must have a budget to purchase fireworks were already in high gear firing off bottle rockets that hung over head as we trekked down the path to the beach. In a few moments time we where standing facing the vast expanse of the Atlantic Ocean with fireworks going up from the pier to the right of us and the Navel Station to the left of us. It was a beautiful sight and one I will enjoy for years to come. I can honestly say this was probably one of the finest fourth's I have ever had.

Wedding Music

Well we are in the final week before the wedding. I am excited, joyful and a little nervous about our future. I think all these feelings are normal and to be expected. Philip worked on the music for our wedding last night and we made a CD with songs we both love. It was fun to do this and I think it will make the day more special for all. We have tried to make this a very simple, meaningful day. Our only disappointment is that both our Sons will not be at the ceremony. Patrick is unable to come and Jason, Ashley and the children also will not be able to come. We so wanted all of them to be there.

We are so very close and only God knows how long I have prayed for this day.
Until the 7th.

Happy 1st Birthday Clay!

NOW &
THEN

Summer has arrived!

Today summer has arrived. It has come in Hot and Hazy! We have disappointedly waited for rain this week and found none, or worse just a few sprinkles. It is just enough to make it steamy and ultra humid. This is Florida. I am spending a few days in Tallahassee and we are landlocked. The heat seems to climb quickly here, no sea breeze for relief. I think that is why I love the coast, it gives the illusion of a cooler day.

The summer solstice is the longest day of the year, respectively, in that the length of time elapsed between sunrise and sunset on this day is a maximum for the year. Of course, daylight saving time means that the first Sunday in April has 23 hours and the last Sunday in October has 25 hours, but these human meddlings with the calendar and do not correspond to the actual number of daylight hours.

After the summer solstice the Sun follows a lower and lower path through the sky each day until it reaches the point where it is in the sky for exactly 12 hours again. This is the Fall Equinox. Just like the Spring Equinox, the Sun will rise exactly east and set exactly west on this day and everyone in the world will experience a 12 hour day.

Happy Summer!

Count Down to July 7th

As we get everything in order for the Wedding, I am excited about the ceremony. We are trying to keep things as simple as possible. We want a time of celebration with our families. I know that everyone is looking forward to the wedding. We now have less than three weeks and I think I can speak for both Philip and myself when I say we are excited and anxious to have this wonderful day arrive!!!

A Good Man and Marriage

I realized tonight that the world we live in is a vast and amazing place and I am but a moment in time. Many who know me, know that I am a believer. I have put my faith in Jesus Christ and trust that He will guide my paths. He is my Creator, redeemer and friend. I am blessed to have a wonderful family whom I love and friends I cherish with all my heart. Many know that I have spent years praying for a Good Man, and waiting. I thought I would never find that, but in God's infinite wisdom He blessed me with a wonderful man, Philip.

He is smart, funny and kind; steady in a crisis and strong in his beliefs. He is not pretentious or self righteous. He is a good man. I love him and he loves me. We are to be married. We did not quickly come to this conclusion, understanding that marriage is difficult and sometimes trying. We took our time getting to know each other, talking, making sure. Marriage is also rewarding and fulfilling. We both know the trials of being single parents. The difficulty of going it alone.

One of my dearest friends asks if I have searched God's will in this decision and I can wholeheartedly say YES! I have.

Summer Days

HOT! HOT! HOT! These are words that mean something when you live in Florida in June. I am sitting at my kitchen window looking out at a yard in desperate need of mowing. I have a very good reason for not Mowing; the mower died and I am waiting for repairs to be done. Anyway even if I had access to the mower I am not sure I would be out in the 93 degree weather at nearly 7 p.m. mowing my yard! It is blazing HOT still.

This is accentuated by my sweet yellow lab Clay. I had to run to the store for a short time and I sent him out to the back yard. I would leave him in but he is not a trustworthy dog; he eats things. Upon my return I went to the back door and called for him to come in. He is always happy to see me and ran in. He proceeded to the cool tile of the kitchen floor and sprawled out on the tile to cool down. He truly looks as if he is trying to get every surface of his body spread out on the tile. I know animals can adapt to the heat, but He is spoiled by the air conditioning.

I had hoped that the heat would spawn one of those afternoon thundershowers. I checked the local weather and no such luck. It seems as though we will continue in the manner we started today HOT! HOT! HOT!

Romantic at heart

Well we have finally done it. Philip and I will be married in the not too distant future. We have tentatively set the date for July 7, 2007. We want our families to come and unfortunately it seems that may not be possible. Philip asked what I wanted in the wedding ceremony and I had some idea but it made me really think about what I want. First I want it to be simple, but elegant. Casual not snooty, although I will wear a "wedding dress". I want to carry flowers and some music playing softly...music is Philip's expertise. I want to have unique vows and I wanted us to exchange rings as a symbol of our unending love for one another. Philip loves me...but does NOT wear jewelry; any jewelry and he really would not want to wear a ring. I understand and even though it is important to me, I will not insist he wear one. However the exchange of rings is something I hope will be in the ceremony. I want our families there and some sort of reception afterward with a tarimasu cake and a champagne toast. Afterward Philip and I will depart on our honeymoon.
I guess I am more of a traditionalist than I thought and although I would marry Philip anywhere, anytime if I had my wishes; this would be my fairytale.

Evidence of Love

Living life can be a joy,
a happy time for sure.
Yet in the midst of daily life
we stuggle to insure
that those we love know how we feel
each and every day.
Not wondering and wishing
for love to come their way.
In words and deeds we give our love,
a touch; a smile; a kiss.
We hold a hand, caress a cheek,
a gentle warm embrace.
These are the things that make our lives
a joyous happy place.

Newest Addition

Our Newest member of the family, born to Laura and Steve.

Family and Fun

Ethan feeds one of the giraffes
Grace and Vanessa enjoy the sun!

Silvia gets a ride from Daddy at the Zoo.

Caitlin surrounded by blossoms!
The water park at the zoo is a favorite for all!
Ethan is having a whale of a time!

The twins are growing like weeds! They talk and sing and seem to have unending energy.



Silvia is less vocal than Caitlin, however she is close behind. They are beautiful babies!

Ethan is almost five, he loves his Gigi and the zoo!

Jason is ever the clown...it makes it hard to get a picture of him without a funny face.

There were 10 in the beds!

Well you know what they say about the best laid plans? Neither do I! But we had planned to have my daughter, son in law and little granddaughter moved into there home this weekend so that I would have space for my Son, daughter in law and three grandchildren to stay while visiting. We worked extremely hard, but we were unable to meet the deadline and so tonight in my rather small home, there are 10 in bed.

Tonight as I thank God for my blessings, I pray that I will be able to make it through the next few days and finish getting the kids into their home and enjoy the ones from West Florida.

zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

Good Bye Norma Jean

Not actual home
As I sat painting the trim in the dining area of my daughter's new home, Good Bye Norma Jean is playing on the radio. I thought how odd that I am at this moment reliving the last 20 years. I think it is often true that certin events in life cause us to reflect and replay the past.

Today, I am thinking this is a song about a beautiful young woman in the the prime of her life who chose to leave the world behind for reasons we might never understand. I was struck by the fact as we are painting and cleaning and doing all the things necessary for my youngest daughter and her husband to move in to their first home and her Dad is not here to help her, he too chose to leave this world too soon. He missed out on so much in life, grandchildren, life events that you earn by growing old.

I also look at this tiny little home, in need of so much work and remember how it was to be young, in love and just starting out. How much we needed family to help with all the things a new home requires; or an old one, that is new to you! It was hard work painting walls, scraping trim, cleaning blinds and windows, but I loved seeing this place become the place where my daughter, her husband and their child will live, grow and learn to be a family. It was extremely satisfying work.

I was also stuck by how content I have become. I won't lie and say my life is where I want it to be, or even where I thought it would be...but I am truly happy. If this was how I was to spend the remainder of my days I would be o.k. Very tired; but o.k.!